• Shibao Lu, Chao Kong, Yong Hai, Qingyi Wang, Lei Zang, Nan Kang, Xianglong Meng, and Yu Wang.
• From the Department of Orthopedics, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
• Spine. 2015 Apr 1;40(7):E411-7.

Study DesignRetrospective case series study.ObjectiveTo assess the effectiveness of activ L total disc replacement (TDR) on degenerative disc diseases with the clinical and radiographical results.Summary Of Background DataThere are few reports on activ L TDR. This is the first one from China.MethodsFrom March 2009 to March 2012, 32 patients with degenerative disc diseases underwent mono- or bisegmental lumbar TDR. Mean age was 45.1 years (32-58 yr). Clinical outcomes were measured by Oswestry Disability Index and Visual analogue scale pre- and postoperatively (1, 2, and 3 yr). Radiographical parameters as range of motion and intervertebral disc height of the index- and adjacent segments were also measured. Prosthesis subsidence and heterotopic ossification were observed during the follow-up period. Work status was also tracked.ResultsThirty patients were available for a mean follow-up of 28.8 months and had complete radiographical data. At the final follow-up, the success rate was 86.7%. Visual analogue scale score for low back pain and leg pain, and Oswestry Disability Index scores significantly improved after surgery. Average intervertebral disc heights of patients with more than 3 years' follow-up at the index segment and upper and lower adjacent segments were 12.87 mm, 12.61 mm, and 11.62 mm, respectively, showing no significant difference compared with preoperative scores. The range of motion of the index and upper adjacent segments showed a significant increase for patients with more than 3 years' follow-up. Changes of range of motion at lower adjacent segment were not significant. We observed tears of the iliac vein in 2 patients, prosthesis subsidence in 3 patients, and heterotopic ossification in 1 patient. At the final follow-up, 18 patients went back to their original work, 8 patients changed jobs, and 4 patients stopped working.ConclusionThe 1- to 3-year follow-up of this cohort of patients showed satisfactory clinical outcomes. The long-term results of activ L TDR need more investigation.Level Of Evidence2.

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